USA vs. Costa Rica: Match Night Commentary

The top two teams in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying square off tonight at Estadio Saprissa as the U.S. national team visits Costa Rica.

You know all the background by now. The Americans have never won at Saprissa. Costa Rica is very strong at Saprissa and a win for either team tonight would go a long way toward helping that team qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Early word around San Jose is that tonight's atmosphere won't be as rabid at Saprissa as in year's past. There will be no alcohol sold and no coins allowed at the stadium. Any coins brought in by fans will be taken away and donated to charity. Souvenirs and food bought in the stadium must be paid for with paper money and no coin change will be given. Also, battery-operated radios won't be allowed (so there won't be any battery tossing.

Those restrictions aren't likely to stop Costa Rica's fans from making it an intimidating place to play tonight. The key will be the Americans keeping things from getting out of hand early on. In fact, you shouldn't be surprised to see the U.S. team on the attack with an offensive-minded lineup.

I will be providing commentary throughout the evening so please feel free to follow the match here. As always, you are welcome to share your own thoughts and opinions on tonight's match in the comments section below.

Enjoy the action (some interesting lineup tibits after the jump):

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FINAL- Now the U.S. team finds itself in second place in qualifying and must now take on a tough Honduras team without Michael Bradley or Sacha Kljestan. It isn't going to be easy.

That's all for now from me. PLease share your post-game thoughts in the comments section below (And PLEASE keep it clean.).

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FINAL- Costa Rica 3, USA 1. The Costa Ricans dominated this one from start to finishing, proving that speed kills. The Americans couldn't handle the speed on the flanks, or anywhere else for that matter, while some new U.S. players failed in their attempts to earn more playing time.

65th minute- Kljestan with a cynical foul on Ruiz, draws a yellow. Costa Rica's combination play is KILLING the U.S. team today.

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64th minute- A Bradley-Kljestan-Adu midfield now. Will be an interesting 25 minutes.

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63rd minute- Freddy Adu is coming on for Pablo Mastroeni. Who would have thought we'd see Adu tonight? Can he make something happen?

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60th minute- Wow, Wynne with an awful turnover. Bradley sets him up with a great pass and he botches it.

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56th minute- Lots of good performances from Costa Rica today but I have to praise Celso Burgos. The kid has a great future ahead of him and could be the next CONCACAF star.

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55th minute- Harold Wallace is coming out, Pablo Herrera is in.

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55th minute- Bradley gets a yellow card, not sure about that call. Now Bradley will miss the Honduras match. Harsh call considering Bradley hadn't committed many fouls at all.

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54th minute- Better stuff from the U.S., a nice passing sequence leads to a corner.

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53rd minute- Rough night for Altidore, who has been starved for service tonight. He's tried to make things happen, but just can't do it alone.

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52nd minute- Costa Rica comes close yet again.

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49th minute- Klestan is a better two-way player than Torres, but he hasn't exactly been on form in MLS and Torres was passing the ball and keeping the ball well after a shaky first 10 minutes.

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47th minute- We're back and Costa Rica hasn't lost any energy. Still trying to figure out the Torres sub. Is he hurt? Was he gassed?

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HALFTIME- Sacha Kljestan will be coming in for Torres. Not sure about that sub. Mastroeni has been awful.

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HALFTIME- Costa Rica 2, USA 0. The Costa Ricans came out flying while the Americans looked completely disjointed. Bradley will have to consider a change or two at halftime. Marvell Wynne looks like a lost cause out there, but then again, Beasley hasn't had a great game either. Bradley might want to yank Wynne or Mastroeni.

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45th minute- One minute of stoppage.

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43rd minute- Just took a peak at the comments. Anybody saying Bradley is having a bad game is nuts. He's been one of the best Americans, if not the best, on the field.

Costa Rica is knocking it around right now, but finally turn it over.

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40th minute- The Diaz-Sirias combo on the left flank has been fun to watch tonight, well, unless yo're a U.S. fan.

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38th minute- Saborio just barely missed a side volley from close. WOW

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38th minute- Lots of miscommunication in the back, due mainly to the deafening noise here.

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36th minute- Mastroeni can't keep up with the pace of the Costa Rica midfield. There's no other way to say it.

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34th minute- Did I mention that I've liked what I've seen from Torres tonight?

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32nd minute- Marvell Wynne is having a rough day. Sirias is burning him and even when he gets on the overlap, he can't beat Junior Diaz.

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30th minute- Freddy Fernandez with the foul on Altidore and he gets a yellow. He will miss Costa Rica's next qualifier, vs. Trinidad & Tobago.

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29th minute- Great play by Ruiz to track back and break up a U.S. attack. He's a quality player who will be moving to a bigger club this summer.

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28th minute- You can definitely tell that some American players are having trouble measuring their passes on this turf.

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26th minute- Dempsey completed shanked the free kick. Awful.

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26th minute- I will say that Torres has settled down and is playing much better now. USA free kick.

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24th minute- Better sequence from the Americans but Altidore can't make the final pass. The Costa Ricans are leaving themselves exposed on the counter but the U.S. team has failed on two occasions to capitalize.

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23rd minute- Donovan has a one-on-one against Michael Umana and he can't beat his former Galaxy teammate. He's got to do better there.

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22nd minute- Beasley got caught badly on the counterattack. He needs to time his runs better and be more aware because Andy Herron looks like a man possessed tonight.

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21st minute- Good long throw from Onyewu but Navas gets to it. The Americans need to get the ball and keep it for a bit.

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19th minute- I questioned Kenton's decision to start Herron, but his move to play Herron on the right flank and have Ruiz up top with Saborio has paid off handsomely.

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18th minute- Costa Ricans are ALL OVER the USA. It's pretty stunning. Shows what team play can do. Americans are not playing like a team right now. Some players look ready, some absolutely don't.

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16th minute- Bradley forces a good turnover but Donovan shanks the subsequent shot.

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15th minute- Mastroeni, Wynne and Torres look awful early on here.

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14th minute- That play just showed that you can have al the speed in the world but if you're positioning is suspect it will cost you.

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12th minute- The Americans haven't done it yet, but when they string passes together they can unlock the Costa Rican defense. They just need to find the final pass.

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11th minute- Mastroeni with a professional foul on Burgos, who is one to watch in this game.

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9th minute- Michael Bradley has been one of the few composed players early on. Herron and Beasley clash a bit. A little former Fire on former Fire battle there.

5th minute- Americans have settled down and have begun knocking it around.

THIS PLACE IS INTENSE.

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3rd minute- GOAL COSTA RICA!!! Alvaro Saborio with a left-footed blast into the far corner. What a start for the Costa Ricans.

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PRE-GAME- It's time to try and save some battery power until this issue is resolved so I'll be back just before kickoff.

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PRE-GAME- In an interview this week, Andy Herron said the key to beating the U.S. defense was getting balls into space and beating them with pace. Was it just me or did Herron looked pretty darn slow with Chicago last year?

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PRE-GAME- The teams are leaving the field and we are about 20 minutes from kickoff.

Someone just kicked tried kicking in one of the doorknobs on the locked power room and succeeded. Unfortunately the door is still locked. I won't say who it was but I'm pretty sure he was Peruvian.

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PRE-GAME- So here's to the hazards of press boxes/tribunes in foreign countries. There is no power for the media because the room with the power is locked. Steve Goff and I have tried getting the door open and failed miserably. The one trip I don't bring my burglar tools.

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PRE-GAME- Now, on to Costa Rica. With Herron and Saborio at forwards I think it's safe to say we'll see their standard 4-4-2, with Ruiz on the right and Sirias on the left. If Rodrigo Kenton decided to try and play a 4-3-3 as well, with Ruiz up top, that could make for some great action, but I have a feeling Ruiz will come in from the flanks.

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PRE-GAME- Back to the surprising surprises (yes, I did laugh at some of the sarcasm), it isn't a coincidence that the two surprise absences were an older player with issues playing on turf and another player who has had injury woes the past two years. I think it's safe to say you will see Ching and Spector starting in Chicago against Honduras.

So who plays right back if Wynne happens to get hurt? It wouldn't shock me if Beasley switched sides and Bornstein moved in at left back in that circumstance.

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PRE-GAME- It may not sound like I'm giving Costa Rica a chance here but it needs to be pointed out that the Tico midfield is VERY good and if the Costa Ricans can get their fast possession game going early, it can keep the Americans on their heels. the key once again will be dealing with Centeno and Ruiz.

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PRE-GAME- Why the decision to attack? Costa Rica's defense is vulnerable, and having to deal with Donovan, Altidore and Dempsey will be very tough.

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PRE-GAME- I've just been told the formation will be more of a 4-3-3 than a 4-3-2-1. Something like this:

—Donovan——-Altidore———Dempsey—

——Torres——Mastroeni—–Bradley——-

Beasley—-Bocanegra—-Onyewu—–Wynne

——————-Howard———————-

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PRE-GAME- If that's the formation, then the Americans are coming here to attack and make a statement, something that has to be exciting to U.S. fans. Don't let the three midfielders in front of the back four fool you. If that's the formation they use, you will see torres and Bradley float into the attack, while also overing for Beasley and Wynne when they get forward on the overlap.

How will the Americans deal with Ruiz? Donovan, Torres, and Beasley will be on that side of the field, so Ruiz will have plenty of company over there. As for Walter Centeno, Costa Rica's playmaker? Mastroeni's task will be to stick to him all match.

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PRE-GAME- It just dawned on me that we might see the 4-3-2-1 formation I've mentioned in the past as a possibility for the United States, the same one Bradley deployed against Cuba in the second half of a qualifier last year:

——————-Altidore———————-

————Donovan—Dempsey————–

—–Torres—–Mastroeni—–Bradley——-

Beasley—-Bocanegra—-Onyewu—–Wynne

——————-Howard———————-

Interesting indeed. The U.S. team certainly has the speed on the flanks to make this work.

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PRE-GAME- I tell you what folks, we are in for an exciting game if these lineups are any indication.

I got 10 of 11 starters from my projected Costa Rica squad, with the missing one being Andy Herron for Cristian Bolanos.

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PRE-GAME- Here is the formation:

————–Altidore—–Donovan

Torres—————————–Dempsey

———–Bradley—–Mastroeni———–

Beasley—-Bocanegra—Onyewu—-Wynne

——————-Howard——————-

Very athletic lineup tonight.

So why no Ching. It's probably the one move we should have seen coming. Ching is known for struggling on turf because of the wear it puts on his body. He has sat for Houston against teams on turf, and sitting him tonight should allow him to start vs. Honduras.

Whether the US deploys a 4-5-1 or 4-4-2, U.S. fans will be loving the sight of Altidore and Torres in the lineup.

PRE-GAME- So why might Spector not be dressing? Good question, but I'm wondering whether Bob Bradley is choosing to go with Marvell Wynne's speed at right back to neutralize the speed Costa Rica could have on that flank, particularly if Ruiz is deployed as a left winger. There is also the turf factor. Spector has a history of injury issues and could be vulnerable playing on the awful turf here, while Marvell Wynne plays on turf for Toronto FC. Just a thought.

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PRE-GAME- I have actually seen quite a few U.S. fans in the past few minutes. A decent number, but a group that will still be drowned out by the Costa Rican fans.

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PRE-GAME- O-LE, OLE, OLE, OLE. TI-CO, TI-CO!

I'd rate the atmosphere here as more of a party atmosphere than an intimidating cauldron (at least for now).

Oh no, the main Costa Rica section is deliver loud chants using Thunder Stix of all things. Corny, but effective.

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PRE-GAME- So is the "surprising lineup moves" buzz legit or just a smokescreen? We will be finding out in a few minutes.

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PRE-GAME- The announcer here just introduced the U.S. team and a loud chorus of whistled rained down. The crowd here is ready to make some noise tonight.

It must be said that for as downtrodden as this stadium is, the atmosphere is great. Ultimately, it's the fans who make a stadium, not the concrete and steel.

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PRE-GAME- The team has arrived at the stadium and I have to say it was one of the more tame motorcades I've been a part of. No word on the U.S. lineup yet.

We are less than 90 minutes from kick and the crowd is filling in nicely. The ends are more full than the lower tiers on the wider sides of the field. Looks like the people with more expensive tickets are taking their time to get here. I've seen a few American fans sprinkled in, but the similarity in colors between the teams will make spotting them pretty tough. Then again you can still spot the clusters of American flags.

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PRE-GAME- The bus is set to depart from the team hotel. It should be an interesting ride to Saprissa. I'll provide some details of the ride once we arrive.

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PRE-GAME- The buzz I'm hearing is that the U.S. lineup tonight will be a surprising one with some unexpected selections. Just what those surprise are remains to be seen. If I were guessing I'd say that we might se Jozy Altidore and/or Jose Francisco Torres.

A source has told me that defender Jonathan Spector is not dressing for this match (not sure why). If this is true then Marvell Wynne should get the nod at right back. I just saw Spector and he didn't appear injured. I'll look to get confirmation of this ASAP.

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PRE-GAME- We are just over two hours to kickoff and the weather is still beautiful. Here's hoping it stays that way.

There are at least 5-6 guys that shouldn’t have been called in so starting any of them would be a huge surprise. Perhaps BB will look at this as a throw away game and keep his best for Chicago where we MUST take three points.

Maybe the “surprise” is Rico Clark starting? Remember the Dynamo played at Saprissa last year in the Champions League (and also in Guatemala and Mexico), so he’s probably more ready for the hostile environment (and turf bounces) than others. Would love to see Torres, though.

Freddy’s most recent Twitter post is “I love the fans mannnnn. Especially those of you who have always supported me no matter what. ill make you guys proud i promise.” A start for Freddy would be a surprise.

I think Dempsey is going to have to show what he learned this year, and track back and play defense. We need a full 90 mins out of Deuce…If Wynne gets the start, he will need help on that side.

The first 10 mins of this game is KEY! The US needs to bunker down and and not let nerves get them and cough up a cheap early goal…The pressure is on the Ticos…We don’t need the three points. One point would be huge in its own right…

Im fine with this line-up but have concerns over Wynne (im a big fan of Spector and think he might eventually be the best defender the country ever produced). My concern is that if Wynne (a VERY untested player, especially in this type of environment) plays horrible, there’s no one on the bench to really sub that spot. Kljestan should have been left off for support of spector, leaving Adu and Davies to fill attacking roles if needed. Thoughts????

it certainly is an attack minded formation. I must admit, I know that playing “away” is never certain, and I am aware of our record in Costa Rica, but come. If we really deserve our #15 FIFA ranking?!?!, then we should be able to dispense of Costa Rica

Ohhh holy crap the CHRISTMAS TREE!!! Ohhh my they better pull it off…I think this is the ideal formation…technically its a 4-5-1 which guarantees not to be humiliated. It demands or emphasizes that you control the midfield and possession the key is the transition to offense and defense.

I know that we always complain about Bradley not mixing it up enough but I’m concerned that line-up is composed of a lot of guys who are really tired and played last weekend or some who haven’t played at all. We’ll see.

I wish the match was on ESPN still, every little bit like that helps elevate soccer’s profile in the US, and ESPN is the ultimate credibility, but the Sox-Tigers game is still in the bottom of the 8th, so the move to ESPN2 might be for the best.

HELLLLLLLL YEAH.4-3-3. That is so damn awesome. I really hope this works out. Mabey Bob Bradley has been emphasizing possession so much for the last 3 years is because he eventually wanted to try this formation. Mabey he has been watching a lot of Barca games. HAHAHAHA. This should be fun. I’M PUMPED!!!!!!

There was an interview with Bocanegra, mostly generic, a little bit about his confidence in Marvelle. He talked about these settings making players nervous but he himself seemed as cool as the other side of the pillow

All you Beasley supporters need to GTFO. Told you he’s friggin useless. Now you see the guy can’t play defense either. CR don’t send balls to their wings, thus Beas can’t shut them down with his speed. They pass the ball inside and make quick turns and shoot. Beas is useless in this type of game

Nice job Bob, what to have the guys fired up. They look flat just like you on the bench. Lost in the clouds. Enjoy the show. Hopefully you get some freq flyer miles, cause you are not giving us anything.

The job of the national team coach is the get right mix of players to play well and be prepared for the game. Last 2 away games we have looked awful to start. I blame the coach. Im failing to mention the lineup he choose too

There is a reason Costa Rica hasn’t lost on this field in 11 games. It has little to do with the coach, and everything to do with a huge home field advantage with that garbage turf and frankly, some talented players.

We haven’t strung together any sort of decent amount of passes/possesion. We have wasted every freekick. And we have given CR too much time and space in the midfield. They are totally taking it too us and are playing with an intensity and passion we just don’t seem to have an answer for. Jozy has barley had a sniff. Bradley is having to cover too much for Pablo and Torres. Wynne and Beas are terrible (to be kind).

I haven’t really watched Wynne play before, but like others have said, it’s really obvious that he’s not a soccer player. The way he lunges for the ball and goes into tackles off-balance, he looks just like those kids you used to play with at recess who were really good athletes but hadn’t spent much time actually playing.

Mark,
I’m assuming that was for me regarding BB. Costa Rica has a great homefield advantage against CONCACAF, lets call it like it is. This is the worst association, of any with automatic bids for the WC. The USA should be cleaning up on these teams, or at least not playing such uninspired ball, home and away. I mean did you see the game against El Salvador?

I’m noticing a common theme here… for the most part, the players who look awful (Wynne, Mastroeni) or invisible (Donovan) are MLS players or guys who are bound to return to MLS in the near future (Beasley).

Wynne is hopelessly outclassed. Beasley looks like he hasn’t played since the last qualifier. And Landycakes, well, he gets the ball 40 yards from goal and he’s launching a hopeless shot well over the bar.

And for anyone saying Bradley is immune from criticism, consider that it’s his job to make sure that he (A) puts the best possible lineup on the field, and I think everyone can agree this isn’t it, and (B) makes sure that lineup is properly prepared for the game, and I think everyone can agree they aren’t.

Mark-you’re an idiot. The turf and fans are part of the game. the field hasn’t always been turf- and we didn’t get results either. nor have we always played them in this stadium- and we haven’t gotten results. These guys are pros and should be able to tune that stuff out and play their game. We have been terrible with our defending and marking. We have been careless in our possesion. Gety a clue yourself- maybe you should know something about the game before making idiotic comments like that.

I actually loved the U.S. lineup pre-game. I like the youth, the wingbacks being able to convert it to a 2-5-3 and back, etc. Given where they are playing though, maybe we shouldn’t have gone with such a young lineup. Torres looks real good.

It’s not about making experiences, but let’s be realistic. Neither team is exactly playing beautiful football. The ball moves across the turf at such a fast pace that some players are having a difficult time connecting on passes and even trapping the ball.

Well Bradley is stuck with Wynne since he didn’t let Spector dress. Could put Bornstein in for Beas. I don’t think Clark is going to add anything by replacing Pablo and Sacha is a mess…I think we are screwed.

Actually wasn’t at you. But I do disagree with you regarding the US cleaning up teams like this. I think the US has improved tremendously the past 3-4 World Cup cycles as they’ve been able to grind out some results, but we’re not good enough to come in and dominate. We’re just not. We’re getting there, but it’s going to be a while.

It is time for Bradley to earn his money with his best halftime speech, scream fest to wake these guys up. They look terrible, so hopefully Bradley takes a chance and stick Adu on the field.

This is going to make Saturday night’s game a must win for the US. You cannot get one or zero points from these two games. A minimum of three is needed. This is making the Confederations Cup look even more scary.

Deuce and LD are better at tracking back to help and can get forward. Torres is cool as the other side of the pillow. We don’t have any other options at FB – maybe Bornstien. Don’t know what we are going to do about Wynne. He’s way out of his league (USL?).

I basically agree with nyc’s comment on Torres and Mastro, but I’d add Bradley, who is doing a ton of running. There are huge gaps these guys are trying to cover.

I won’t agree with the poster who commented Mastro is done. One game doesn’t kill a player’s Nats career, or most of the players wouldn’t be on the field right now. Though a few more like this and I will agree.

It isn’t the turf people!!!! Wake up! Finally, Alexi Lalas says something I agree with! We aren’t closing down or tackling. How does the turf cause that? How does the turf prevent you from following your man, communicating, marking, closing down, etc? We are playing poorly! It isn’t the turf, the manager, the ball, the stadium, or the fans! Wake up people!

BEASLEY-I have said from day 1 that #1 he shouldn’t be on the field at ANY position, and #2 that putting him at left back was suicide. Well-I suppose the proof is in the pudding.

MASTROENI-Simply past it-not even running for the ball-embarrassing himself tonight. Bradley and Torres are actually doing a decent job and Mastro is KILLING us, undermining all of their work in the middle of the pitch.

I don’t even know what to say about the tactics-We just need to play MORE directly-this field sucks too much for the intricate passing in the final third-every time Dempsey or Landon or Jozy get the ball in a good attacking position, they either try to make TOO sweet of a pass or touch and it runs away.

0 SHOTS on Goal. Unacceptable, we need to dig in and get this thing back on track-I’ll give Costa Rica some credit-they’ve taken their chances brilliantly-but they don’t seem to be looking to pack it in-so we should get some opportunities in the second half.

I’d like to see Freddy Adu come on for Mastroeni, move MB and Torres into the middle, push Dempsey and Donovan to the wings, Adu in behind Altidore (who unfortunately also looks gassed)

this is pretty gross right now…both wing backs not impressing at all….Marvall Wynne is just some fast dude with mediocre soccer skills, and Beasley is a shell of his former self
COME ON USA! turn it around please!!

John Harkes on 360 has blamed the field 3 times in the first half for poor USA performance, how sad. Ticos simply out-hustling and out-playing Yanks. To me the Brit Trio of Howard, Beasley, and Dempsey are the worst of the lot. The midfield seems out of sorts with pressure and recovery very uneven, not in sync.
Two questions have been answered, Beasley cannot play LB, and not playing regularly, is bad for performance.

it’s amazing some of the comments. Torres is having a strong game. Dempsey is having a shocker. If he plays in the EPL he needs to show why. Part of the problem on the right is because Dempsey is playing inside and leaving Wynne facing 2 v 1. But Wynne not ready for prime time. Pablo’s legs are done. Beaseley dont have what it takes. we have no wing play. everything coming down the middle. Adu can come in for Dempsey. Donovan need to justify his position on the field. We need to at least get something on the board. Benny anyone?

Mike, I can dig it, no worries. It’s a game of passion, you have it, and our team has shown little today.

It rankles me when I hear a lot of people on this site think we can waltz in and dominate these teams. These teams are better than people think, and we’re no where near as good as people want to believe. We’re good, don’t get me wrong, but people want us to play like Spain when they’re the Faroe Islands, and we don’t have that talent.

Hector – put them in this game on this field with this crowd and things might even out a bit. I’ve really come to understand the value of the pitch. This game and the Houston/NY playoff game (the pitch on that day was like concrete palying into the Redbulls hands) has convinced me.

that said…WAY TOO MUCH SPACE for Costa Rica. The 4-3-3 has failed!!! The players don’t know their roles. They are lost and leaving WAY to much room. Way too much room.

Pretty interesting first half – once again Bunker Bob gets it wrong after taking a look at that – ahem – turf! If that’s what you want to call it. Beasley has been nothing more than shocking.

The Confederation Cup is going to be one heck of an eye-opener for the US. How does Bunker Bob survive that fiasco? This is Costa Rica .. not Brazil, Italy and Egypt. God Forbid they run into Spain in a knockout round.

I think saying Howard is amongst the worst is a stretch. He had one miscommunication due to crowd noise. The two goals can be blamed on the defense, had Howard made either of those saves you’d be praising him as a god amongst men. But he could do nothing about either one, and somehow that makes him the worst despite having a pretty solid half. Well said.

Torres started slow, but has been assertive since then. He’s fine. Bradley is playing well. Jozy looks like he wants to make something happen. Wynne and Mastro look absolutely terrible. Beasley looks bad too, but I think he’s just not in form. Obviously we know he can play at this level. Wynne doesn’t look like he can, and Mastro doesn’t look like he can anymore either.

I’m going to say it…I think we are missing Ching’s presence up front. Demps and LD have no one to run off of. I like what Jozy has to offer, but that doesn’t diminish the contributions Ching makes in drawing defenders and dishing the ball off.

CR isnt even playing great. we get burned on two of their chances. at least we’re holding the ball in midfield. get pablo out. put sasha in and try and create some opportunities. dempsey looks bad too . . .Adu anyone?

Adu for Donovan would be a brilliant sub. Bradley should send a message that you can’t play like this and feel your spot on the team is secure. And what better way to do that then take out one of your best players, who is having an pathetic game by the way. Donovan has an ego, let him be pissed, and show it in Chicago.

I am sorry to say, but Bob Bradley “what are you doing?” Wynne (MLS) over Spector (English Premiership)? I don’t care if Spector is not playing right now, neither is Beasley! Spector must start over Wynne on Saturday!

Bradley needs to take a lesson from the England coach. If a player isn’t playing then he doesn’t make the national team. Of course for Capello, if a player plays in MLS, they can’t play for England which might not be a bad idea either’

I don’t care what people say…Bradley is not the man to coach this team…we are not England it isn’t necessary for us to have an American coach…we need a European coach who actually knows how to select an XI

Why do you take Torres out, who is your most comfortable player with the ball at his feet out? He was one of the few USA players who actually passed the ball to other players on his own team. Why is Pablo still on the field much less Wynne who has been useless as a defender? Beasley has been much better than his RB counterpart at actually playing defense.

Sorry, I think torres was less then spectacular tonight. Was he as bad as Beas, Wynne, Donovan, or Pablo? No. But he’s been like the smartest kid in the special ed class……all 11 tonight who started should apoligize to the fans for their performance.

I have never been one of those Bob Bradley sucks and we should fire him guys. That being said, this was far and away the most pitiful display I can remember a US team putting forward in at least 10 years, and possibly even earlier than that. The formation and tactics were terrible. The team selection was terrible. He has basically made no adjustments that I have been able to notice. Granted, I am not even going to begin to act like I know as much soccer as Bob Bradley does, because I don’t, but we are terrible tonight. Take nothing away from Costa Rica, they have played well, but we just haven’t even given them much of a game. I am embarrassed and I hope that the team is too. Cause we’ve been terrible tonight. Absolutely terrible.

This game has really shed some light on some of our players who Bob favors in his lineups…we knew this wouldn’t be easy and we haven’t won there ever, but this is just simply pathetic…Mastroeni,Klestjan,Wynne should never put on a US shirt again…and shame on Bradley for subbing out Torres, one of the only bright spots last half.

Ives, good question about who we will see in central midfield on Saturday. Bob has a big problem doesnt he. He should go for Torres but I think he’ll go with Sacha or Clark neither of whom will work out well.

Who do we still have on the field in yellow card jeopardy that we can’t afford to loose for the next game, Dempsey and Donovan? One of them needs to be taken off now especially, since we have to win the next game.

I feel like this comes down to the decision to play Beasely AND Wynne. and then to keep them in. It was a very attack-minded lineup, a gamble that didn’t work. Right now I think we CAN blame Bob Bradley, but only for being brave enough to try that lineup in a stadium that plays like a futsal arena. Hopefully the boys will take this lesson with them for Saturday and just waste Honduras. I guarantee the USA will defeat CR by at least this much when they play on actual grass.

FIFA/CONCACAF should never have certified this pitch for international play. Not to make excuses, but I have been surprised to NOT see a blown MCL out there tonight.

– None of the goals were Howard’s fault. He’s been officially hung out to dry. If I’m Timmy, I’m thinking there’s 4-5 guys who I’m going to absolutely rip into on the plane home.

– Harkes made the comment that too many guys look gassed – and there should be no excuse for that. There’s been far too much jogging from the US players.

– In hindsight, it might not have been the worst thing to take Torres off at half. After a rough start, he was one of the few players to settle down quickly, and he was one of the better players in the first half. Now, with Bradley out for Honduras, you’ll need someone who can keep possession in the midfield. Today’s been more an exercise of who can’t play in the center of the park than who can play alongside Baby Bradley. Torres should be fresh enough to go a full 90 on Saturday now.

– Altidore looks good. Unfortunately, he’s got no help. Assuming he can eventually get a midfield that can get him the ball, he should be a solid striker for the next 10-12 years.

– I’ll say it again: Papa Bradley failed on two counts tonight: this team is not the best 11 we could have put out on the field tonight, and the 11 that he did put out there aren’t fully prepared for this match.

– I realize ESPN is trying to “sell” MLS to help themselves, but we’ve got to stop this whole reliance on MLS players. They’re simply not good enough or ready for the international level. Let’s call it what it is: a developmental league, a place for players to get noticed and then get picked up in Europe where they should ultimately develop to their full potential. I would imagine if we fielded a team of all foreign-based players against a team of MLS guys, the foreign side would win, and probably by 4-5 goals.

There’s a lot to change, and not nearly enough time to change it all. I’m not optimistic at all for Saturday’s game.

I’m watching taped just after half, but first time I seriously question Bradleys tactics. End th Beasley expt. In fact I am not sure he deserves a spot in midfield. There is a reason he sits on Rangers bench. Torres out? Huhhh? Also the US will never amount to anything unless they get rid of the psyche factor. This game has Cech 2006 all over it…can’t handle the pressure and the media drama on an important intl stage. Azteca???? They already are hoping just not to get embarrassed due to the history and media coverage.

Its up to the coach and the players to be ready for the game. They all belong to clubs with training grounds, there is no excuse. MLS players don’t play in the winter and early spring, should we not play any of those players in the spring?

The players and Bradley need to shoulder the burden on this and realize that they didn’t put in a winning effort. Both before and during the game.

this game was bad. awful. but really it’s okay. this crap happens. a wake up call that will hopefully be what the team needed to realize they aren’t the best in the world. they aren’t the worst (even if this performance looked like it) and they will come back.

bob bradley has to better… he should of used different players like spector… also i dont think a 4 3 3 to start the match is smart playing on the road… second half tactics could have been a lot better… taking off the best player torres in the first half instead of pablo im still trying to figure out

I’m not criticizing him for making the penalty kick. You’re right, a lot of guys would have missed that. That wasn’t my intent.

My point is that of his US-record goal total, most are meaningless goals against crap opponents, goals when the game is out of reach, or penalty kicks (or some combination of those three). Why not be a leader and say to someone who DID have a good game, “hey, this is your reward, you take it.”?

My criticism is that he’s the spoiled little punk on the playground who has to do everything, take every kick, and always needs the ball in order to be happy, even when he doesn’t deserve it.

what a disappointing night for USMNT fans…credit to Costa Rica who just played us off the pitch tonight. Have to wonder what Bob’s gameplan is for Honduras after this nightmare. Confidence has to be low in the USMNT camp.

The team will not lose this badly to Italy and Brazil. No need to jump off a bridge or anything. Fans climb on the bandwagon and say US should beat everyone, and then with one bad loss, they jump off. Remember Brazil lost 6-1 to Bolivia. It happens.

I have to take issue with your “speed kills” conclusion at the end of the commentary. You had it right earlier when you said it was the combination play of Costa Rica that ruined us. We have plenty of speed, but we attack like a college team – no shape, poor off the ball movement, and sub-par passing.

Could it be that people are finally waking up and turning against the false hero that is Bob Bradley? There is absolutely no chance of this team doing anything other than embarrassing itself under this coach.

This team isn’t even in the same class as the so called “disaster” team from the last world cup.

Well, I think we learned alot tonight. Unfortunately most of it was bad:

Wynne… is not ready.
Adu……. is not ready.
Demps… is not focused.
Beasley.. may not be quite the lock at LB that we thought. He was horrible.
Donovan… still sucks, and I mean 2006 WC sucks.
Bob Bradley… made a huge mistake taking Torres out.
Mastro… is a decent MLS player, nothing else.
M. Bradley… is still our rock.
Davies… looks like he could be a good sub at forward.
Altidore… looked comfortable up top, he tried and did set up alot of set pieces, unfortunately most of the plays were screwed up by Donovan or Demps.

I feel sick about 2010. If we can’t deal with teams like Costa Rica, we will have NO shot against the big dogs in WC play. 2006 will not be an anomaly. What happened to the US team that played against England, Spain, and Argentina in ’08?

That was pathetic. Like watching the 80s and early 90 teams that were completely out of their depth. They just got worked, and the way it happened — combined with the way the looked in El Salvador — doesn’t leave much confidence for the upcoming Conf Cup. I’m sure they’ll look better Sat b/c they are at home, but that ain’t going to get it done if the US actually wants to show internationally.

Also, what the hell is Bradley pulling Torres out for Klejstian? mind boggling. Guess Bradley didn’t want too much skill on the pitch, he just wanted to go w/ the normal American clubbed foot player. (if you can’t get consistent play for an MLS team you shouldn’t be subbing in for a major component of one the top clubs in the world, and someone that showed in the 1st half of this game — period.) And Lando, he’s back to his fade in, fade out, invisible, pad the sats w/ PKs play (started a few games ago).

Well, good recognition that the USA ain’t the big dcks in CONCACAF that they thought they were. Totally owned.

LOL at the USA. All of that chest thumping after you keep beating Mexico on your, I repeat your home soil and one would think the USA is on the verge of greatness. Guess again guys. Beat a quality team, even a regional team at their house and then we can talk. I am not a big fan of the Tico’s but it was oh so nice to see the great USA get their ass handed to them tonight. LOL

Bob Bradley takes it on the chin for this one. Don’t blame the surface either, because our more skilled players had no problem with it.

Fail #1 – Starting Wynne. He was poor all night and was in some way to blame for all 3 goals.

Fail #2 – Starting Mastroeni. He was directly responsible for the first goal. That ball should have been easily won and cleared. Not only did he fail to win the ball, but he cut off his own player who was applying pressure by flopping to the ground. Other than that, he was pretty horrible.

Fail #3 – Removing Torres. I saw no reason to replace him. He was the best player by miles in the first half, he just couldn’t quite get the dagger passes through because Costa Rica was very well organized.

Fail #4 – Kljestan. Directly responsible for the 3rd goal. Very poor pressure and then a lazy jog as he watches the player take the ball straight to the box for a clear shot. That is unacceptable. Preki had the balls to bench him, Bradley must do the same.

I’m almost hoping that we get embarrassed badly at the Confederations Cup to facilitate Bradley’s being replaced. I usually support him and his choices but I can’t ignore such disconnection from the game when he removes the most effective player on the pitch at half-time and replaces him with the worst player on the bench.

I did like the fact that Adu got minutes in and I thought he was very good. Davies was much better than the last time he got steady action.

Altidore did nothing to move ahead of Ching. His bad touch was magnified by the surface.

I take back about Adu, after few minutes in he got in to the groove, Charlies Davis Came in with a awsome attitude and played well, Sasha no where to be found. And all those Idiots that wanted Wynne to be on the field please second gol came on his behalf, Third gol on where Beasley, Bradley, Sasha and Bocanegra was just looking the guy get set up and shoot. WOW the most effective defend got their ass kick. Please why are u putting a Player that hasn’t played in a long time to play defend are you out of you mind Mr. Bob Bradley, or you really are like Hugo Sanchez that need his assistant to make the right tactics on the field and the right movement. WOW never thought I was going to say this but BOB BRADLEY is lost without NOWAK

I said it once and I will say it again, the US missed Ching tonight. Compare what he does with the ball to what Jozy did and the gap is glaring. Ching draws the same fouls, but also holds up and distributes the ball well. We created zero quality chances up front and not having a target was a major reason.

the goals that were scored tonight look very familiar. you see the play developing and you see the goal coming just like against El Salvador. I think to many mainstays o f this team just didnt show up. Donovan’s ball striking is terrible and getting worse. If he’s the best we’ve got then we are in more trouble than we know.
I dont think Dempsey should be an automatic starter. Since the competition stepped up in WQ he has not really contributed much to the team. His turn over rate was way too high. I also love how misguided folks think Ching would have made a difference. This game was about coaching. Bob got outcoached and he didn’t put his players in position to even walk away with a point. On a positive note, I liked what I saw from Adu and Davies. Charlie looked threatening. We didnt get one decent cross until he came on the field.

Some observations:
Mastroeni is over.
Donovan needs to put his stamp on big games. He was invisible.
Torres was playing well. Why take him out?
We need depth at central mid.
Adu looked promising.
Jozy made progress but had no support.
Dempsey…ehh.
Onyewu…stop thinking about your next team and focus on this one.
BMB – not our left back. Please.

As bad as Beasley and Wynne were, Boca and Gooch weren’t much better. One of them needs to go. The experiment of playing two guys who play exactly the same didn’t work…especially when they both continue to make the same mistakes they did 3 years ago. And moving Boca out to the left is not the answer.

– MB out on cards – that hurts.
– SK out on cards – less of a problem.
– is Frankie an option?
– if Torres was pulled for injury and can’t go Saturday, midfield is scary (no Bradley, Torres, Edu, Kljestan)
– Wynne, Beas and Mastro need to sit

People, people, let’s settle down. To begin, Pablo looked complete and utterly outclassed. There were balls bouncing all around him and he looked like he could barely move. He should not start another game for the U.S. unless there is a serious injury crisis. I would say that goes double for Beasley, except the left back position is already a disaster. Bradley, Torres, and Jozy were the only players who looked like they were ever a threat at anytime during this game. Where the hell was Clint? He was invisible and if that continues to happen, there will not be many wins for this team. Wynne is also obviously not a player at this level. Also, just for everyone out there, Pablo got embarrassed on the first goal, which was 75% his fault and 25% Torres. Basically, we need Chingy. Him and Jozy need to be upfront and the Torres Bradley combo is, I think, definately the best central option, with Donovan and Clint on the outside. Leftback and Rightback and open for the taking.

Ouchie = 5.0 did a good job even tho he has to get out of position to help Whynne.

Bocanegra 4.0 = played good but make couples of error that turn into gol. but it came from Sasha and Beasley fault.

Beasley 2.0 = horrible not his fault cause he is not a LB *Coach idea* make some mistake and was out his place all the time.

Bradley 4.0 = he played well but one mistake and a yellow card did not help.

Mastroeni 2.0 = a Veteran to really control the game and the mid field was lost and the error on the first gol and was out of rythem.

Torres 5.0 = started slow and then got control of the game one mistake and one gol even tho he just got hit on the face by Beasley crazy kick on the ball.

Dempsey 2.0 = look like he want to be the hero of the game, becoming to European snob, think is better (Even tho he is) but need to be more unselfish, was lost and look like he was tired and not wanted to be there.

Donovan 5.0 = have to be more unselfish with his free kick and let other to the kicking, got covarage pretty good by C.R and need to be leader not some who yell.

Altidore 4.0 = once again it look like a lone striker the formant was 4 3 3 and noone playing next to him, he did hasle but no company. Need COOPER, Oconner or Charlie Davis.
Sup..

Sasha 2.0 not the right call he got lost and got a yellow card, on the third goal he was slow to get back to cover Beasley that was out position.

Adu 4.0 = started slow and the got into the game, for the short time he was in there.

Charlies Davis 4.0 = same as Adu, brougt in a good attitude.

Coach Bob Bradley 2.0 = The offensive format of 4 3 3 was daring but wrong players to play the defend. make the wrong sub on torres instead getting out, Beasley Mastroeni or Whynne. Look like he is lost without Nowak.

USA, what a joke away from home. Where is all the chest thumping tonight guys? I was lead to believe you were great because you can beat Mexico at home over and over again. LOL, maybe the Tico’s can beat you at home over and over again. Does that make them great? USA supporters are something else. It was nice to see them get their shite packed tonight, that’s for sure.

Gonna expose my soccer ignorance, but looking past the two fullbacks who had bad games, would the starters have done better in a 4-5-1, with Demps and Donovan on the wings and tracking back, and Torres ahead of Mastro and Bradley to link up possession from defenders to attack? Paco doesn’t go hard into the tackle, but he is composed on the ball and finds players. I know Demps and LD have a tendency to pinch in, but we didn’t have much width. Especially the defensive help on the wings could help.

Beyond that, I think DMB has suffered too many injuries and too little playing time to be in the starting lineup nowadays.

Again, exposing my ignorance, I think we have a long way to go before we develop a soccer culture in the US that has kids growing up innately aware of positioning, when and where to make runs off the ball, when to give a hard foul, when to negotiate a corner or throw in. And maybe aspiring to be good at crosses and direct free kicks.

This sort of innate+handed down knowledge and instinct comes with the culture for kids who play basketball, football, or baseball, but I don’t think soccer is pervasive enough in the US for that. Sometimes even National team players seem to lack a little of it.

I grew up playing basketball(badly) by the way. Somebody took me to a college soccer match and that hooked me on the game.

a couple of quick thoughts after watching it in the bar:
1. I like Torres, he passes to US players and seems to be able to turn out of trouble.
2. Wow..our 3 choice left and right backs…no good at all.
3. For all the knocks on Ching at least he can hold the ball in the final 3rd.
4. Sasha has lost his mojo
5. It was nice to see Adu looking like he cared.
6. Where was Donovan, Dempsey?
7.I might become a referee

The U.S, played terrible. The worst defending I have seen in a while by them. B.B. took a gamble with this line-up and it did not work. Honduras will be hungry for a win, but the U.S. should win at home. Just because the U.S. lost in Saprissa does not mean they are done.

Fair enough. My point was just that no one really went out and earned a spot today. I’m sure you’d agree. If you went to any player on the team and said this is your one and only chance to earn a spot on the national team, I don’t think anyone really passed the test. About four players, including Bradley, simply observed the third goal. There was almost no attempt at defense. Even Howard was caught a little flat-footed.

I’ve said in other posts that the U.S. will rebound and play better than this against Italy and Brazil. I’m not worried, but let’s call it like it is. This was awful in all regards.

Did anyone else think that Bradley seemed to not be trying after his yellow? He just watched number 2 turn him around and roll it past howard. Bradley just seemed like a gutless, heartless coach’s son. O wait he is the coach’s son.

Wow. That was ugly. One of the worst games I have seen from the US since the 80’s. The Beasley expirement at left back is over. As a matter of fact Beasley should not start in any position. He looked like a player that has not played, and did not care. His first touches were awful. Having said that, some of the players I wanted to see start the game did, such as Torres. (Why he was subbed, I don’t know) But the US looked completely out of sync, and unprepared. Some of the factors I think that contributed to that were the turf, and that several of the players just flew in. The way the ball was bouncing around, was very unpredicable unless you have played on that field before. So Saturday night becomes a huge game, and that game will really tell us whether Bob Bradley needs to go, as that will be on our field, no screwy conditions.

Bradley out for Saturday hurts, I think he’s proven to be our best central midfielder. Sasha hasn’t done jack other than bad things lately, I don’t think he’ll be missed that much. If anything, the two mids out means Torres almost has to start.

Ambitious plan by Bradley (and considering our record at Saprissa ambition was called for), but our defense obviously just isn’t good enough to play a 4-3-3. Gooch was way out of position on the second goal, which might be because he was trying to cover for Wynne, who clearly isn’t ready for prime time. I’m sure we’ll see a 4-4-2 on Saturday with Spector on the right if Heydude isn’t ready, Donovan and Demps on the wings with Torres and Mastro in the middle (or maybe Rico in the middle instead of Mastro), and Ching and Jozy up front. Ching might not be able to score worth crap, but he works his butt off up there and does a lot of dirty work that our other guys in the attack just won’t do, and that work often eventually pays off in a goal for one of the other attackers.

CRC’s first goal was a beautiful shot though. Defensive lapse, but a perfect shot, a thing of beauty. The other two goals were just awful defensive play.

God, I hope this is better on Saturday, actually attending a losing home qualifier would just destroy my weekend.

Also, that field is just unfathomably bad. How artificial turf could be that uneven is just absurd — the ball shouldn’t be rolling along and then suddenly take a random bounce. No wonder the Ticos never lose there, they probably know all the effed up spots on the field like the Celtics knew all the dead spots in the floor at the Boston Garden.

Our guys clearly can’t play on that kind of field. There’s a reason fake fields aren’t allowed in the World Cup.

It was ugly, yes. End of the world? No. Keep in mind, we traditionally trade results with Costa Rica and Mexico (win/draw at home, draw/lose on the road). Of course I’d like to see more from our boys, but I think more than a few people are too quick to yell “the sky is falling!”

This 4-3-3 business is bogus. It’s the same stunt Rongen pulled in the last U-20 WC. Let’s call it what it is: 4-5-1. It’s unlikely that Ching would have significantly altered the result, but I think combining him with Altidore at the top would have helped out some. Wynne obviously didn’t work out at RB. Should have been Spector.

It’s difficult to get road results in any competition, in any sport…especially when you’re playing on a uniquely quick surface like the Nats did tonight. But it’d be nice to see the US control the ball a little better…to defend more effectively…to rely less heavily on the long ball over the top (which very rarely seems to work). Imposing our will on the road will always be hard to do, but showing a little more control and composure is a must.

One more note: There are a lot of times we have time on the ball and we’re unwilling to take it. We have opportunities to hold possession and distribute more effectively, but we throw those away in favor of the long ball. Composure, composure, composure!

How does Adu not start on this team…..just watching how he shifted to the middle was calm with his passes started opening up the play for us, made a few World Class passes…and was very active and was very creative(like always) and you can see just how much better we are everytime Adu is in the match, not to mention his nice move he did that allowed him to take that shot from distance……..will be shocked if Adu does not start at Supporting Striker vs Honduras.

The DMB hate is hilarious. Hey idiots, he hasn’t played a game in months, and this was what, his second game at LB? You can’t reach any conclusions about an experiment based on such a small sample. Bease should absolutely get more opportunities at LB.

Mastro and Wynne are another story. Mastro is simply not quick enough to make the tackles at the international level anymore, and Wynne clearly isn’t ready yet.

Donovan and Dempsey need to do much, much more. Together, they should be able to create chances against any CONCACAF competition. Donovan should be spearheading the attack, and Dempsey should be more assertive as well.

I swear some of you are so enamored with the name of a player. I say we are missing Ching (granted I admit that we need Frankie back more) and everyone laughs. Then Adu comes in and everyone rates him high? What game is everyone watching?

Altidore, Bradley, and Torres were the only decent players in this game.

Wow, over 500 comments. Thank you to everyone for making me laugh at 6:30 in the morning at all of the hilarious comments.

I am embarrassed to be an American soccer fan today. I think the best SBI mafia XI could have played better than that.

They showed no heart out there.

I am very disappointed.

I feel like I just walked in on my wife with another man.

I feel like my balls have been cut off and fed to a rabbit.

Boss Bradley shouldn’t take blame for that performance, that was solely on the shoulders of the players. If the coach has to get the players pumped up for a game like this then the players shouldn’t be on the team.

Concrete turf should have never been allowed by FIFA. It looked exactly like Giants stadium.

There were times when the US moved the ball extremely well, but their biggest problem was applying pressure, and getting the final pass behind the back line.

Speed isn’t what won this game for Costa Rica. I’m not sure what you guys were seeing. It was a lack of marking and tacking. The first goal was a lack of tackling by Mastroeni. The second and third goals were a matter of sub par marking.

Calling for Bradley’s head is very easy to do after an embarrassment like last night. But the players couldn’t match Costa Rica’s energy. Some games are certainly the coach’s fault, and some are the players. I’d put the blame on this loss at 70% on the players, and 30% on the coaching staff.

After South Africa, I think it’s time the U.S. feds look at possibly hiring a coaching import. We need to try something different.

But I think Boss Bradley put the players in a position to succeed. The problem is depth and the turf. Spector not in the 18 was shocking, but I’m assuming they didn’t want to risk ANOTHER injury. Who else do they start beside Bradley? Rico Clark? *vomits in mouth* Anyone would assume Wynne could match their pace, and use his experience on turf, but looked horrible. He was caught more than a dozen times, allowing too many balls behind him.

Bradley played a 4-5-1, don’t know why they showed it as a 4-3-3. A 4-5-1 is a defensive formation, which easily changes to a 4-3-3 offensively.

In a perfect world I would start Ching and Jozy up top with Torres behind them. Duece and Donovan on the flanks with Bradley holding the midfield. Spector on the left, Gooch and Boca in the middle, with Hedjuk on the right.

Also, our defense is in danger of collapsing for good. We have SERIOUS issues back there.

If the players play like that in the Confed. Cup we are going to get shutout every game, and Timmy will be facing a shooting gallery.

Is Bob gone? That has to be the worst US game, I’ve seen in a long time. No passion, no heart, and just crap. Pulled Torres out? WTF? kept Beasley in? WTF? We are going to get killed this summer, Italy and Brasil.

Forget Costa Rica, the asphalt pitch, “The Cauldron of Doom” and all that stuff. Why did the US loss so badly?

The US Nats HAVE NO CHARACTER! Flat, boring, uninspiring football, er… soccer. This has marred the Bob Bradley era. We have 10 robots on the field every match (not counting Howard). The organization and positioning are decent, but outside of Freddy Adu and Charlie Davies last night, the Nats are anti-creative, predictable, and slow.

I sum it up in this quote I once heard (loosely translated) “When the US learns that we’re playing football here, not soccer, then they will become a true World Cup contender.”

Last night was the first time the US were truly exposed for this fact. We beat Mexico on a set piece and a goalkeeping gaf, we scrapped by El Salvador on a couple crosses, and trounced T&T because of their worthless defense an Jozy’s effort and well timed runs. But Costa Rica exposed the US Nats lack of character, something the US needs to find in South Africa this summer or the return trip in Summer of 2010 will be one to forget.

“IVES, I love your blog. But if you don’t ask bob…i mean really pester him and challenge him as to why he subbed Torres at half, then you lose your journalistic cred….seriously.” – John Fish

Ives,…I second that thought! Some journo has got to pin BB down on this move. Mastroeni was abysmal,…Michael Bradley was looking sluggish and BB takes Torres out? Something stinks. To echo the sentiments of another person on this board,…I am beginning to have my doubts about BB. Someone get Klinsman number for Sunil.

I had a bad feeling about this game going in. It was confirmed when I saw Wynne and Beasley starting at the outside backs…HORRIBLE decision. I’m not even sure why Beasley is getting call-ups any more. He’s been playing little, if any, with Rangers, and his last few outings with the MNT have been poor.

Having said that, I think if we get the win at home against Honduras we’ll be just fine. I hate that Bradley picked up a weak yellow and will have to sit out.

I think a 4-4-2 with Spector, Bocanegra, Oneywu, and DeMerit (Hejduk if he’s healthy) across the back, Torres, Dempsey, Donovan, and Mastroeni in the middle, and Ching (if he’s healthy) and Altidore up top might be the way to go. PLEASE BB, NO MORE BEASLEY!!! If Ching can’t go, maybe Davies or Adu up top with Jozy. We’ll see…

Bradley should be fired. He benches the the only guy moving the ball offensively. Then leaves in his son KNOWING that he is a yellow card away from missing a match and everyone KNOWING that if Bradley cant plays 90 without getting a card, Which he did.
Then he puts in Sacha knowing he also is 1 away from missing a match with the game out of reach and presto!!! he also gets it. So now Bradley and Sacha are out as is Edu in a must win game sat.

Marvell Wynne absolutely sucks at this level. He runs like Devin Hester…but plays soccer like him to. The man has NO touch and NO ball skills how can you call someone up who cant play soccer?

Beasley still gets preferential treatment like he did under Arena out of form…no porblem not only will you start youll play a position youve never play (how did you like that Beasley at left back idea you pinned for Ives?)

Bradley improved but too much of an idiot and cant avoid cards.

Maestroni sucks his time is passed.

Gooch and Boca slow all day..imagine how slow they ll be Sat with jet lag and 3 days rest.

Dempsey played? Really didnt see him.

Donvan, another big game another game he fails to step up except to take the PK someonelse earned.

Without a win Sat Bradley should be on the chopping block. Hey isnt Hiddink avail?

You people talk about certain players “not showing anything in the final third.” I blame not one person but the entire damn team for this loss sans Tim Howard.

There is almost never anybody moving off the ball every time I watch the US play. I just don’t understand it. There was no hustle on offense. There was no hustle on defense. Costa Rica was allowed to play the ball all over the place and then when we finally got a touch, we were smothered by opposing players.

The reason why nothing works in the attacking third is because NOBODY IS EVER OPEN.

Why is nobody ever open? Because nobody tries to get open. Everyone just stands next to a ****ing defender waiting for a ball to get chipped to them. (And most of the time that is chipped over their heads.)

The United States will never be anything special until players learn how to get open and receive a god damn pass in open space.

How do you say USA demolished in Costa Rica in Spanish? LMAO. Once again I’ve come to bring reality to the US fans, your team is ordinary and it was shown with their abysmal performance against Costa Rica who is sitting top of Concacrap right now, lol.

I said it once and I will say it again, the US missed Ching tonight. Compare what he does with the ball to what Jozy did and the gap is glaring. Ching draws the same fouls, but also holds up and distributes the ball well. We created zero quality chances up front and not having a target was a major reason.

Posted by: Smacking | June 04, 2009 at 12:18 AM

CONCUR

we also missed hejduk’s drive and commitment in the face of adversity

gooch and boca sucked a big one too last night, i think saturday demerit aught to get a shot at center, put boca on the left.

i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again, no more pablo

keep torres in the whole game, he plays well

if you are going to have beasley on the field, at least have him in a position next to donovan so they can overlap….. otherwise no point

and i agree for all who have said the following, (and my old coach for that matter) THERE IS NEVER ANY EXCUSE FOR GETTING BEAT TO THE BALL!!!!!! they may be faster or better or whatever, but getting beat to the ball is a lack of hustle and you should be subbed out every time.

im costa rican but live in the us my name is kevin david solano we killed us im a great soccer player n if i become pro i have the chance to play either with costa rica or united states of america i really didnt know who but after us got beat 3-1 no doubt about who im choosing{costa rica} soy de cartago